D-backs avoid arbitration with deals for Luke Weaver, Carson Kelly
Weaver got $1.95 million and Kelly’s deal is for $1.7 million. Left-hander Caleb Smith was the only other Arizona player still eligible for arbitration.
The 27-year-old Weaver slogged through a rough 2020 season with a 1-9 record and 6.58 ERA. He’s still expected to be a big part of the starting rotation next season along with Madison Bumgarner, Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly.
Weaver earned a prorated $221,111 from his $597,000 salary last year.
Carson Kelly, 26, has been the team’s starting catcher the past two seasons after being acquired in a trade with the Cardinals. He had a breakout season in 2019 with a .245 batting average and 18 homers but regressed at the plate in 2020, hitting just .221 with an on-base percentage of .264. He made $215,444 in prorated pay from a $581,700 salary.
The 29-year-old Smith was acquired in a midseason trade with the Marlins. He missed a big chunk of the year, partly because of a bout with COVID-19. He returned to pitch 11 innings for the Diamondbacks and had a 2.45 ERA.
Smith earned $217,222 of a $586,500 salary.